Our kidneys are two-bean shaped organs that perform many important functions. Some of its many crucial functions include regulating and filtering minerals from the blood, maintaining overall fluid balance, filtering waste materials from food, medications, and toxic substances, and creating hormones that help produce red blood cells, promote bone health, and regulate blood pressure.
Failure to maintain the health of our kidneys may lead to several health problems such as anemia, bone health issues, problems balancing potassium levels, hypertension, and kidney failure.
That’s why we must take good care of our kidneys. We can do this by eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are kidney-friendly. Here is a list of these foods.
Red Bell Peppers
In addition to its low levels of potassium, red bell peppers have a significant amount of lycopene, a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help lower high blood pressure, which is linked to kidney disease.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a low-calorie source of fiber, vitamin, and antioxidants that can help lower down levels of inflammation. Some studies revealed that it can boost renal function and support glucose metabolism, and protect against cancer and heart disease.
Spinach
This leafy green is loaded with vitamin A, C, K, and folate, magnesium, and beta-carotene that is beneficial for boosting our immune system health and protecting our vision. Add spinach in the everyday diet by making a simple side dish of steamed spinach, spiced up with garlic and olive oil.
Apples
Aside from its richness in pectin (a soluble fiber that can help lower glucose and cholesterol levels), apples are also packed with antioxidants like quercetin that help protect the brain. Furthermore, they are also good sources of vitamin C and are low in potassium.
Onions
This member of the allium family of vegetables and herbs contains beneficial antioxidants and flavonoids that support kidney health. Flavonoids may help lower down blood pressure since thy possess anti-hypertensive properties. Moreover, onions are low in potassium and a good source of chromium, a mineral that helps with carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
Always choose organic onions and add them to salads.
Cucumbers
These ultra-hydrating foods can help cleanse the kidney. They can help maintain kidney health because they contain lots of water as well as low amounts of potassium.
Garlic
Garlic provides delicious flavors to various dishes. This anti-inflammatory vegetable can aid in detoxification. According to studies, its active compound known as allicin can help improve kidney health by minimizing hypertension and oxidative stress. Allicin also helps boost renal function.
Aside from these foods, we also need to be aware of the foods we need to avoid to protect our kidneys. As much as possible we need to avoid the following foods:
Foods high in salt – They can only cause fluid retention and other kidney health issues.
Foods high in potassium or phosphorus – Your kidneys may have trouble balancing these minerals properly.
Protein-rich foods – They can strain our already overworked kidneys.
